MOS for External Affairs V Muraleedharan underscores deepening cooperation between India & Maldives across multiple sectors

Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, underscored the deepening cooperation between India and the Maldives across multiple sectors. The minister who is on his maiden visit to Maldives, addressed the media in Male after signing of 10 agreements for implementing High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) in 11 atolls. He said that India is happy to see the success of the HICDP model expand its footprint and increase its developmental impact on an exponential scale.

The visit highlighted the progress made in bilateral relations, showcasing the importance of the growing partnership. Mr. Muraleedharan commended the strides taken in the bilateral relations under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. 

He said the comprehensive development partnership between the two nations encompasses grants, concessional credit, budgetary support, capacity building, and training assistance.

Several noteworthy projects were mentioned by the minister, including the



imminent completion of water and sanitation initiatives on 34 islands, the ongoing construction of 4,000 housing units in Hulhumale, and the commencement of the Addu Development Project for roads and reclamation. The prestigious Greater Male Connectivity Project, valued at $500 million, was also emphasized as a key catalyst for the Maldivian economy.

Further, Mr. Muraleedharan highlighted the progress of infrastructure projects like the Hanimaadhoo international airport redevelopment and the upcoming Gan International Airport redevelopment. Emphasising the importance of human development, he said that over 1,000 Maldivian participants have recently benefited from various in-person training programs in India.

The minister also handed over a batch of Tuberculosis medicines to Maldives upon a request from the Archipelago nation. Mr. Muraleedharan also paid a courtesy visit to Maldives President Ibrahim Solih and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.